Page 113 of House of Desire

“Court, would you mind unloading the other car while Dom and I take in the cake?”

“Aye, aye, Captain,” she says with a salute.

“Right this way,” the woman says, leading us through the delivery door.

We make our way through a few hallways until we come to the sweeping space. People bustle around getting everything ready. I’ve never been in the planetarium without a show happening. With the lights on, it feels mundane compared to the magic of watching a meteor storm above you.

“Kind of drab when the lights are on, huh?” Dom says, looking around.

“Hush,” I whisper, afraid someone overheard him. “And, yeah. But it’ll be gorgeous when they turn on the sky. I’ve seen pictures of other receptions here and it’s stunning.”

Courtney catches up to us, the wheel on her cart squeaking. As I open my mouth to give her instructions, a voice with a soft southern twang rings out.

“Oh my God! Anastasia, that cake is the best thing I’ve ever seen!” Ryan says, scurrying across the floor. Even in the matching athletic set she’s wearing and no makeup, she’s one of the most stunning women I’ve ever seen. I look over at Dom and he’s staring like he’s trying to read a defense.

“You’re drooling,” I say before turning to Ryan as she reaches us.

Her arms are around me and she’s pressing a kiss to each cheek.

“I knew Lorelei wouldn’t steer me wrong with you.”

“Thank you. You’re so kind.” Dom clears his throat and it takes everything in me not to roll my eyes. “This is Courtney, my other baker,” I say, and Ryan gives her a polite smile. “And this is my brother Dominic,” I tell her and he steps forward.

“Miss Jade, I went to your concert all three nights last year. Your shows are some of the best concerts I’ve been to in my entire life.” I look at him, confused by his awestruck tone. He’s met plenty of stars during his time as a professional football player, and he has never sounded like that when meeting someone.

She reaches her hand out to him, which he takes, but instead of shaking it, he holds it. She looks at him, a blush staining her cheeks.

“Next time, you’ll have to come backstage. I could give you a tour,” she says.

“It would be my honor,” he tells her.

The silence becomes awkward for me as they continue to stare at each other.

“Sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt whatever this is, but we need to get the desserts all set up.” I take a look at my watch and time has flown. It’s getting closer and closer to when I need to get home and change for tonight’s event.

Where Parker will be waiting for me. And my answer.

I love him.

The caring, compassionate man I’ve seen from the very beginning. Even with no cameras, no need to pretend. No reason to lay his soul bare at my feet. And yet he did.

He’s given me everything I needed to know the man I started falling for at House of Desire was real.

That the man I love is real and mine. My heart bursts with the knowledge. I’m all but climbing out of my skin with impatience to get to him.

“Um, yes,” Ryan says, clearing her throat, dropping my brother’s hand. “Let me go get your payment while you get set up. I’ll be back in a minute.” The last statement is more directed to Dom than me, and I try to hide my smile as she walks away.

“I’m gonna marry that woman,” Dom says, reverent as Courtney snorts a laugh, pushing her cart up beside us.

“Maybe next time don’t act like a worshiping fan right off the bat,” she says, popping a brownie bite in her mouth.

“Stop eating things!” I say.

“Quality control,” she says, eating another.

“Do you think she’ll go on a date with me?” Dom says, straightening his shirt.

“I don’t have time for your delusions. Can we get set up please?” I ask.

---